New Growth

Many of the flowering trees have dropped their pretty petals and are flush with new green leaves. I often think it looks like a tree has dropped it’s pretty petticoat to the dirt around below it. Dirty circles of white and pink at the base. I have marveled at how quickly it happens- overnight almost. But in the dogwood picture I found the secret- the leaves grow behind the flowers but you can’t see them until the flowers fall. 

Since it is poetry month- Flowers, Dear Flowers by Louisa May Alcott 

Flowers, Dear Flowers, Farewell! ‘We are sending you, dear flowers, Forth alone to die, Where your gentle sisters may not weep O’er the cold graves where you lie; But you go to bring them fadeless life In the bright homes where they dwell, And you softly smile that ‘t is so, As we sadly sing farewell. O plead with gentle words for us, And whisper tenderly Of generous love to that cold heart, And it will answer ye; And though you fade in a dreary home, Yet loving hearts will tell Of the joy and peace that you have given: Flowers, dear flowers, farewell!’